Nebraska State Sen. Jeremy Nordquist was presented the Chancellor Robert D. Sparks, M.D., Award in Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the annual College of Public Health Awards Banquet Tuesday night.

Sen. Jeremy Nordquist

He is chairman of the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee and also is a member of the Appropriations Committee, State-Tribal Relations Committee and the Children's Behavioral Health Oversight Committee. He also is the chairman of the Health Committee for the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Sen. Nordquist's interest in health care extends beyond his legislative work. He serves on the board of directors for One World Community Health Center in South Omaha and is now completing a master's degree in public administration with a concentration in health care administration, at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Outside of his duties as an elected official, Sen. Nordquist works for the Holland Children's Movement.

The Sparks Award recognizes an individual who has shown outstanding innovation, excellence, collaboration and impact on health promotion, disease prevention and advancement of effective public health. Dr. Sparks, who was UNMC's second chancellor (1972-1976), established this award through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

Jane Meza, Ph.D., interim dean of UNMC's College of Public Health, said, "Sen. Nordquist exemplifies excellence in innovation, collaboration and impact in public health by being a strong proponent of public health issues including access to quality affordable health care, telehealth, school-based health centers and his support for the Fred & Pamela Buffet Cancer Center."

Adi Pour, Ph.D., director of the Douglas County Health Department and a member of the Dean's Advisory Panel for the College of Public Health, said Sen. Nordquist deserves this award.

"He is a true advocate who works every day to ensure access to health care and prevention services are available for all to make Nebraska the healthiest state and keep health care costs low," she said.

Shireen Rajaram, Ph.D., associate professor of health promotion, received the Carruth J. Wagner, M.D. Faculty Prize in Public Health, for her work in health disparities pertaining to domestic violence and sex trafficking, breast and cervical cancer, diabetes, childhood lead poisoning and healthy aging.

Monirul Islam, Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology, received the Faculty Research Award for his work in defining treatment success and preferences for stage IV lung cancer patients through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

Kathleen Brandert, director, Great Plains Public Health Leadership Institute, and manager of the Workforce Development and Leadership Programs, Office of Public Health Practice, received the Alumni Spirit of Service Award for her dedication to, and support of, the alumni of the College of Public Health.

Olivia Sonderman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, global studies and pre-medicine, received the Chancellor Robert D. Sparks, M.D., Pre-professional/Undergraduate Student Scholarship in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Jonathan Ali, a doctoral student in environmental health, occupational health and toxicology, received the Chancellor Robert D. Sparks, M.D., Public Health Student Research Award.

In addition to specific awards, 51 graduates of the doctoral, masters and certificate in public health programs were recognized, as well as this year’s inductees into the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health.